Finland and Sweden prepare for large NATO naval drill
By Trend
Finland and Sweden are preparing for an enlarged NATO naval exercise in the Baltic Sea on Sunday, Trend reports citing Euronews.
NATO's fortnight-long 'Baltops 22' is being hosted this year by Sweden, with the Finnish Navy and Air force also taking part.
Military leaders have suggested it is no coincidence the NATO military drill is larger than in previous years.
US Commander, Vice Admiral Eugene Black, told reporters Saturday: "The exercise this year is probably about 30 per cent bigger than last year.
"45 ships, 76 aircraft, 16 nations - 14 of them NATO allies, and two very close partners" will be involved, he added.
"The aim of the exercise is to develop the interoperability of the United States, Nato and partner countries in joint air and maritime operations and amphibious operations," the Finnish Defence Forces said in a statement on Wednesday.
Around 200 Finish Navy personnel will join the exercise from 5 to 17 June.
Both Sweden and Finland have reversed traditional policies of neutrality by making bids to join the 30-member defensive alliance.
---
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.
By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.
You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper
Thank you!